Connecticut House Bill HJ00040

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

Resolution Petitioning Congress To Convene An Article V Convention To Establish Term Limits.

Impact

If enacted, HJ00040 would not impact state laws directly but would set in motion a constitutional pathway that could lead to significant legal and political changes at the federal level. Implementing term limits could potentially alter the dynamics of power within Congress, encouraging a higher turnover rate among legislators, which proponents argue would lead to increased responsiveness to constituents and a reduction in entrenched political power. This could also enhance competition for congressional seats, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of American political representation.

Summary

House Joint Resolution No. 40 (HJ00040) proposes a petition to Congress to convene an Article V Convention specifically aimed at establishing term limits for members of both the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution is spearheaded by several representatives with the intent to initiate a process that could amend the Constitution to enforce these limits. By doing so, the bill seeks to address public sentiment around the longevity of congressional tenures and the associated concerns over governance and accountability.

Contention

The push for term limits is widely debated among legislators and the public alike. Supporters assert that term limits prevent the development of career politicians who may disconnect from their constituents' needs over long tenures. On the other hand, critics argue that term limits could eliminate experienced lawmakers who understand the complexities of governance, potentially leading to inefficiency and reduced effectiveness in Congress. Furthermore, there is concern about the implications of such constitutional amendments, including the risks associated with convening an Article V Convention, such as unforeseen changes to other amendments.